Nashville isn’t just about country tunes and honky-tonks—it’s also a premier destination for BBQ lovers. The city’s reputation for smoky, flavorful meats paired with local whiskey, craft beer, and lively music makes it a perfect spot for food-focused adventures. Among the many options, some stand out for their unique mix of entertainment, authenticity, and local charm. For example, the Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ offers a full day of fun, including a guided whiskey tour, a lively bus ride with sing-alongs, and a mouthwatering barbecue lunch []. It’s a great pick for those wanting a mix of history, entertainment, and good food.
Another favorite is the Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour, which combines the city’s best BBQ joints, craft brews, and whiskey tastings in a small-group setting []. This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s food scene. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Big Southern BBQ Bash and Private Party Bus Experience offers an all-out, party-on-wheels with smoked meats, hot chicken, and plenty of Southern flair—perfect for groups celebrating special occasions [].
Quick Overview
This list features seven top Nashville BBQ experiences, ranging from full-day distillery tours with live music and BBQ, to intimate guided tastings at local breweries, and even private party bus adventures. Each offers a different spin on Nashville’s love for smoky meats and local spirits, with some emphasizing entertainment and others focusing on food quality and authenticity. Now, let’s explore each one in detail to help you pick your perfect BBQ outing.
1. Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ
This full-day adventure is about more than just whiskey—it’s a lively Nashville experience. The trip starts with a 90-minute bus ride that’s far from boring, thanks to onboard entertainment like sing-alongs, dance contests, and whiskey trivia. Once at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, a guided tour walks you through the whiskey-making process, from spring water source to bottling line. Tastings of their finest whiskies cap off the tour, giving you a real appreciation for this legendary brand [].
What sets this experience apart is the combination of education, entertainment, and food. A mouthwatering barbecue lunch follows the tour, perfectly complementing the whiskey tasting. The tour also includes a lively bus ride back with live entertainment—think sing-alongs and trivia—that keeps the energy high throughout. With a 5-star rating from 181 reviews, travelers consistently praise the guide’s humor and the fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive Nashville experience—food, spirits, live music, and fun all rolled into one. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history and entertainment.
2. Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour
This small-group tour packs in the best local BBQ, craft beer, and whiskey tastings in about four hours. It’s a great way to explore Nashville’s food scene without feeling rushed. Stops include Central BBQ for a BBQ Trio Meal, and New Heights Brewing Company for a flight of local beers and a BBQ meal—each spot carefully chosen for authenticity and quality [].
The guide provides insider insights into Nashville’s culinary culture, making it a rich experience for those interested in the city’s food and drink heritage. Guests enjoy sampling smoked meats, local bourbons, and craft beers, with a more personal atmosphere thanks to the small group size. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide, the high-quality stops, and the overall fun vibe.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed, intimate experience focused on Nashville’s food and drink culture. Great for those wanting to learn and taste their way through the city’s best spots.
3. Nashville: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour
This four-hour guided tour offers a straightforward introduction to Nashville’s classic food and drink scene. It includes visits to a distillery, a local brewery, and a Nashville smokehouse for lunch. The tour features sampling Southern spirits and a flight of beers, along with a hearty BBQ lunch in a relaxed setting [].
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and focus. It’s perfect if you want a condensed experience — hitting three popular hotspots without the fuss. The onboard experience is casual, and the guide shares local insights along the way. Travelers appreciate the well-rounded mix of drinks and good food in a short span.
Bottom Line: Great for visitors with limited time, or those who want a taste of Nashville’s Southern spirits and BBQ without overloading their schedule.
4. Nashville: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour, BBQ, and Live Music
This six-and-a-half-hour experience combines a distillery tour, BBQ lunch, and live music. Departing Nashville, the tour features an entertaining bus ride with a dance contest, whiskey trivia, and lively commentary. At the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, a guided walk reveals the whiskey’s craftsmanship, culminating in tastings of their finest whiskies [].
The highlight is the combination of whiskey, food, and live entertainment, making it a full-day immersion into Tennessee’s flavors. The tour includes exploring Lynchburg’s historic town square, which adds a local flavor. Reviewers praise the fun atmosphere and knowledgeable guides, with some noting the included BBQ lunch as a perfect pairing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those looking for a festive, all-in Nashville experience—great for music lovers, whiskey fans, and groups celebrating special occasions.
5. Nashville: Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Bus Tour
This four-hour bus tour offers a comprehensive Nashville tasting experience. It starts with a guided tour of a local distillery, includes a visit to Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que for a classic meal, and winds down at Tennessee Brew Works for a flight of local beers [].
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of whiskey, BBQ, and craft beer in one trip. It’s a straightforward way to sample Nashville’s best in a single afternoon, with the convenience of transportation included. Travelers appreciate the value for money and the chance to see multiple spots without planning logistics.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a balanced, all-in-day experience of Nashville’s spirits, meats, and brews with minimal fuss.
$192 per person
6. Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour
This four-hour tour emphasizes a guided visit to a distillery, a BBQ stop, and a local brewery. It covers Nashville’s core food and drink scenes, although some reviews mention the beer tour aspect could be more educational. The stops include whiskey tastings and a meal at a popular BBQ spot, with the guide taking care of logistics [].
It’s a good option if you value comfort and simplicity, but some feedback suggests the beer stop might lack depth. Still, it’s a solid choice for a quick, fun day out.
Bottom Line: Suitable for casual explorers who want a taste of Nashville’s spirits and BBQ with a straightforward, no-fuss approach.
7. Big Southern BBQ Bash and Private Party Bus Experience
This private party bus is the ultimate Nashville group celebration. Up to 35 people can enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of house-smoked Tennessee BBQ, hot chicken, fried sides, and classic Southern sides like cowboy beans and mac ’n’ cheese [].
What makes this experience exceptional is its customizable nature, with a focus on food, fun, and group camaraderie. It’s perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or corporate events. While reviews are limited, this experience promises a memorable, lively celebration with everything included.
Bottom Line: Best for groups wanting a personalized, all-out Nashville party with food and drinks, and a flexible schedule.
$1,725.00 per group (up to 2)
How to Choose Your Perfect Nashville BBQ Experience
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you love whiskey and want a full immersive day, go for the Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ. For a more relaxed, drink-focused outing, the Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour offers a great balance. Short on time? The Nashville: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour fits into a few hours while still delivering quality.
For groups celebrating something special, the Big Southern BBQ Bash and Private Party Bus offers a customizable, fun celebration. Remember, booking early can secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.
Final Thoughts
Nashville has a wide array of BBQ experiences that cater to different tastes and interests. From full-day whiskey excursions with live music to intimate tasting tours and lively private parties, there’s something for all. If you’re a foodie eager to explore the city’s smoky meats and local spirits, these tours provide a practical way to dive into Nashville’s culinary soul.
For best results, consider your travel style—whether you prefer a relaxed tasting, an all-day adventure, or a group celebration—and choose accordingly. Nashville’s BBQ scene is as lively and flavorful as its music, so don’t wait too long to book these popular tours. A little planning will ensure you get the most out of your Nashville visit.